We must show voters how things would be different with independence
When they complain about failing public services and economics, we must show them how all of our GDP and tax revenues will be allocated and the relative priorities, with direct comparisons with what is imposed by Westminster. That way we can easily demonstrate how we would survive.
While this is largely what Business for Scotland produce, the concept needs to be endorsed and promoted by our senior politicians. They are the ones with the media access and presence. Governance and financial forecasts are an essential necessity in any business plan, especially when seeking support or a loan, so why expect the public to merely take our word on trust? They need to see firm proposals and direction not just thousands of pages of options.
Our political opponents are all the Unionist parties, not just one or now two. Messages about these should be tailored for the constituencies where we are arguing. The Central Belt has different demographics and history to our rural and coastal communities so our messages should be designed to appeal more appropriately.
Our vision for independence must also include how we would interact with the rest of the world, especially the opportunities currently denied us. Our assumption that rejoining the EU is taken for granted is questionable, as the vote for the arch-Brexiteers in the guise of Reform 2025 Ltd and its master has shown.
So, while all of the above is within the 13 white papers and the 2014 tome, Business for Scotland booklets, and more, it needs to be publicised and supported in a more public-friendly and serious manner by all our elected representatives who have the media presence.
Furthermore, this must be done in addition to the day-to-day messages, all the while demonstrating how we could do things differently if only we were allowed. How many of us can put hand on heart and say we have actually read all the white papers, compared with how many of the sceptical public?
Scotland is largely a more socialist-oriented country than England and this needs to be exploited, but we cannot do that with London-controlled parties, especially Blue Labour. An independent Scotland would allow our form of socialism to regain ascendency and reach its potential without the malign interests of the Westminster establishment. We have the means, the wealth, the ambition to do better for ourselves, so let's do it.
Nick Cole
Meigle, Perthshire
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